Trial Not Likely For Jared Lee Loughner In 2012

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January 6, 2012 11:18PM (UTC)

PHOENIX (AP) — The mentally ill man charged in the Tucson shooting rampage isn't expected to go to trial in 2012 as he continues to be forcibly medicated to make him psychologically fit to stand trial.

Mike Black, a former federal defender now in private practice, says he doesn't think there would be a trial until 2013, even if Jared Lee Loughner is quickly declared ready for trial.

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The case was put on hold when psychologists diagnosed Loughner with schizophrenia and a judge ruled the 23-year-old wasn't fit to stand trial in the shooting that occurred a year ago Sunday.

Loughner has pleaded not guilty to 49 charges in the shooting that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.